Sports swing training system, apparatus, and method

ABSTRACT

A swing training apparatus comprises a base section and one or both of a swing plane training section and a hip attachment section. The base section can be adapted to rest on a support surface and include a first horizontal member, a second horizontal member extending from a first side of the first horizontal member at a first end of the first horizontal member, and a third horizontal member extending from the first side of the first horizontal member at a second end of the first horizontal member opposite the first end of the first horizontal member. A batter area can be defined between the second horizontal member and the third horizontal member. The swing training apparatus can be configurable with a swing plane training section and/or a hip attachment training section.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are directed to swingtraining systems, apparatuses, and methods, more particularly battingswing training for baseball.

According to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, aswing training apparatus or system can be provided or implemented. Theswing training apparatus or system can comprise a base section and oneor both of a swing plane training section and a hip attachment section.The base section can be adapted to rest on a support surface and includea first horizontal member, a second horizontal member extending from afirst side of the first horizontal member at a first end of the firsthorizontal member, and a third horizontal member extending from thefirst side of the first horizontal member at a second end of the firsthorizontal member opposite the first end of the first horizontal member.A batter area can be defined between the second horizontal member andthe third horizontal member. The swing training apparatus can beconfigurable with a swing plane training section and/or a hip attachmenttraining section.

Additionally, one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject mattercan provide or implement a swing training apparatus. The swing trainingapparatus can comprise a base section adapted to rest on a supportsurface, the base section including: a first horizontal member, a secondhorizontal member extending from a first side of the first horizontalmember at a first end of the first horizontal member, and a thirdhorizontal member extending from the first side of the first horizontalmember at a second end of the first horizontal member opposite the firstend of the first horizontal member. A batter area can be defined betweenthe second horizontal member and the third horizontal member. The swingtraining apparatus can be configurable with a swing plane trainingsection and/or a hip attachment training section. The swing planetraining section can include: a vertical member extending verticallyfrom the first horizontal member of the base section between the firstand second ends of the first horizontal member, and a fourth horizontalmember extending from the vertical member in a direction of the batterarea. The hip attachment training section can include an angled memberextending at an angle from the first horizontal member of the basesection between the first and second ends of the first horizontalmember, the angled member extending at the angle in the direction of thebatter area.

One or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can involve amethod regarding a swing training apparatus. The method can comprise:providing a swing training apparatus including: a base section adaptedto rest on a support surface, the base section including: a firsthorizontal member, a second horizontal member extending from a firstside of the first horizontal member at a first end of the firsthorizontal member, and a third horizontal member extending from thefirst side of the first horizontal member at a second end of the firsthorizontal member opposite the first end of the first horizontal member.A batter area can be defined between the second horizontal member andthe third horizontal member. A swing plane training section can include:a vertical member extending vertically from the first horizontal memberof the base section between the first and second ends of the firsthorizontal member, and a fourth horizontal member extending from thevertical member in a direction of the batter area. The vertical membercan be closer to the second horizontal member than the third horizontalmember. The second horizontal member can extend perpendicularly from thefirst horizontal member. The third horizontal member can extend eitherperpendicularly or at an obtuse angle from the first horizontal member.

According to one or more embodiments, a baseball batter swing trainingsystem or apparatus can be provided or implemented. The baseball batterswing training system or apparatus can be comprised of a base section, aswing plane training section, and a hip attachment training section. Thebase section can be adapted to rest on a support surface, where the basesection can include: a first horizontal member, a second horizontalmember extending from a first side of the first horizontal member at afirst end of the first horizontal member, and a third horizontal memberextending from the first side of the first horizontal member at a secondend of the first horizontal member opposite the first end of the firsthorizontal member. A batter area can be defined between the secondhorizontal member and the third horizontal member. The swing planetraining section can include: a vertical member extending verticallyfrom the first horizontal member of the base section between the firstand second ends of the first horizontal member, and a fourth horizontalmember extending from the vertical member in a direction of the batterarea. The hip attachment training section can include an angled memberextending at an angle from the first horizontal member of the basesection between the first and second ends of the first horizontalmember, the angled member extending at the angle in the direction of thebatter area. The angled member of the hip attachment training sectioncan be closer to the third horizontal member than the vertical memberand the fourth horizontal member of the swing plane training section areto the third horizontal member.

Embodiments can also include methods of providing, making, and/or usingapparatuses and systems, or portions thereof, according to one or moreembodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Further, portions ofoperations and/or methods according to one or more embodiments of thedisclosed subject matter may be computer-implemented, at least in part,for instance, via a non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumstoring computer-readable instructions that, when executed by acomputer, cause the computer to perform a method.

The preceding summary is to provide an understanding of some aspects ofthe disclosure. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of thedisclosure are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or moreof the features set forth above or described in detail below. Also,while the disclosure is presented in terms of exemplary embodiments, itshould be appreciated that individual aspects of the disclosure can beseparately claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, are illustrative of one or more embodimentsof the disclosed subject matter, and, together with the description,explain various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Further,the accompanying drawings have not necessarily been drawn to scale, andany values or dimensions in the accompanying drawings are forillustration purposes only and may or may not represent actual orpreferred values or dimensions. Where applicable, some or all selectfeatures may not be illustrated to assist in the description andunderstanding of underlying features.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a swing training system or apparatusaccording to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the swing training system or apparatus of FIG.1.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the swing training system or apparatus of FIG.1.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the swing training system or apparatus of FIG.1.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the swing training system or apparatus of FIG. 4adjusted relative to FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the swing training system or apparatus of FIG. 4adjusted relative to FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a swing training system or apparatusaccording to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a swing training system or apparatusaccording to one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 9 is a use view of the swing training system or apparatus of FIG. 8according to an example of an acceptable swing.

FIG. 10 is a use view of the swing training system or apparatus of FIG.8 according to an example of an incorrect swing.

FIG. 11 is a use view of the swing training system or apparatus of FIG.8 according to an example of an acceptable swing.

FIG. 12 is a use view of the swing training system or apparatus of FIG.8 according to an example of an incorrect swing.

FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 are consecutive use views of the swing trainingsystem or apparatus of FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The description set forth below in connection with the appended drawingsis intended as a description of various embodiments of the describedsubject matter and is not necessarily intended to represent the onlyembodiment(s). In certain instances, the description includes specificdetails for the purpose of providing an understanding of the describedsubject matter. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the artthat embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. Insome instances, structures and components may be shown in block diagramform in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the described subjectmatter. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be usedthroughout the drawings to refer to the same or the like parts.

Any reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, characteristic,operation, or function described in connection with an embodiment isincluded in at least one embodiment. Thus, any appearance of the phrases“in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in the specification is notnecessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, the particularfeatures, structures, characteristics, operations, or functions may becombined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments, and it isintended that embodiments of the described subject matter can and docover modifications and variations of the described embodiments.

It must also be noted that, as used in the specification, appendedclaims and abstract, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” includeplural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. That is,unless clearly specified otherwise, as used herein the words “a” and“an” and the like carry the meaning of “one or more” or “at least one.”The phrases “at least one,” “one or more,” “or,” and “and/or” areopen-ended expressions that can be both conjunctive and disjunctive inoperation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, Band C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” “oneor more of A, B, or C,” “A, B, and/or C,” and “A, B, or C” can mean Aalone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and Ctogether, or A, B and C together. It is also to be noted that the terms“comprising,” “including,” and “having” can be used interchangeably.

It is to be understood that terms such as “left,” “right,” “top,”“bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,”“lower,” “interior,” “exterior,” “inner,” “outer,” and the like that maybe used herein, merely describe points of reference and do notnecessarily limit embodiments of the described subject matter to anyparticular orientation or configuration. Furthermore, terms such as“first,” “second,” “third,” etc. merely identify one of a number ofportions, components, points of reference, operations and/or functionsas described herein, and likewise do not necessarily limit embodimentsof the described subject matter to any particular configuration ororientation.

Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are directed to swingtraining systems, apparatuses, and methods, more particularly battingswing training for baseball. On the other hand, though embodiments ofthe disclosed subject matter may be described in relation to swing inthe context of baseball, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter arenot so limited. That is, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter canbe implemented in other activities that involve a swinging motion (e.g.,medicine ball throws, cricket, etc.), particularly where lateralmovement during rotation may be undesirable.

Two metrics for defining success in baseball hitters can be consistency(e.g., batting average) and power (e.g., slugging percentage, number ofhome runs, etc.). In this regard, we can define or characterizeconsistency as a stable axis of rotation and power as an efficientseparation and acceleration of select muscle groups in a sequence.

For instance, when a baseball player swings a bat he/she rotates fromthe ground up through the pelvis, torso, lead arm, and lead hand throughthe baseball bat. However, a common problem encountered when swinging abaseball bat is a lateral move forward during the rotation. This may bereferred to as drifting or lunging. Drifting can delay acceleration ofthe pelvis, which, in turn, can delay and/or dampen the acceleration ofthe rest of the sequence. This can lead to a loss of power. Drifting canalso negatively affect a batter's swing plane. In particular, driftingcan cause the batter's axis of rotation to shift while trying to trackand strike a moving object. This flaw may be compounded against highervelocity pitching. When a batter eliminates or minimizes drifting in theswing, a more consistent rotation can be achieved, along with improvedtracking and timing, and/or an increased overall acceleration of theselect muscle groups (pelvis, torso, lead arm, and lead hand).

An additional problem that may be encountered during swinging isseparation of the select muscle groups, which may be referred to as“casting.” When a baseball player swings a bat, it can be desirable tokeep the bat tight to the body during the early stages of rotation andthen release the bat from the body before contact. This can lead to amore efficient swing due to a tighter, more powerful rotation, and lessdistance to travel to the ball. In the early stages of the swing thepelvis and torso pull the arms, hands, and bat through the rotation. Asthe batter releases the bat from the body, the batter may firstdisconnect the arms from the torso, followed by the hand from the arm,and then the bat. However, some batters either fail to keep the batclose to the body initially (e.g., swinging with only arms), release thebat from the body too early, or never release the bat at all (which cancause a lack of acceleration in the lead arm/hand). Moreover, somebatters can properly connect and separate for certain pitches (e.g., ahigh pitch), but may fail to do so correctly for other pitch locations(e.g., a low pitch).

Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can address one or both ofthe above-identified swing issues. That is, embodiments of the disclosedsubject matter can be directed to only controlling hip movement, can bedirected to only controlling disconnect or separation, or can bedirected to both controlling hip movement and disconnect or separationsimultaneously. Optionally, embodiments of the disclosed subject mattercan be reconfigurable from one of the foregoing to another of theforegoing. Moreover, embodiments can be in the context of a pitched ormoving ball (e.g., as opposed to a fixed ball, such as a ball providedon a tee, or swinging without a ball (i.e., dry hitting)) in an unknownplane from among multiple possible planes (e.g., as opposed to a singleplane or a pre-set plane set prior to the pitch).

Generally speaking, aspects directed to controlling hip movement may becalled or characterized herein as a hip attachment training section. Thehip attachment training section may also be referred to as a hiprestraint section, because this section can be used to stop or preventthe pelvis from moving laterally forward, i.e., toward the pitcher, oncerotation begins. Though the hip attachment training section may limithip movement in the lateral direction once rotation begins, the hipattachment training section can still allow for the linear move or“stride,” i.e., a step forward and plant of the lead leg prior toswinging. Generally, the linear move in baseball can create potentialenergy and be used to “time” the pitcher. Thus, the hip attachmenttraining section can enable the batter to learn how to stride properly,eliminating or minimizing undesirable linear movement during therotation. The hip attachment training section can also provide a stableaxis of rotation, which, discussed in more detail below, can bebeneficial in the context of swing plane training. In some instances,for instance, when the hip attachment training section is used alone,the hip attachment training section may also be used with a fixed ball(e.g., a ball on a tee).

Generally speaking, aspects directed to controlling swing plane may becalled or characterized herein as a swing plane training section. Theswing plane training section may also be referred to herein as apull-through or bat path training section, because it seeks to preventpremature disconnect in multiple swing planes by requiring the batter tokeep the bat tight to the body during the early stages of rotation andthen release the bat from the body before contact. The bat is thus movedaccording to a path whereby it is “pulled through” without contactingthe swing plane training section, which can be representative of anacceptable coordination and timing of the select muscle groups.

The swing plane training section can prevent disconnection from multipleplanes (i.e., horizontal and/or vertical disconnection). That is, theswing plane training section focuses on connecting the bat to the bodyduring rotation and eliminating an issue commonly referred to as“casting,” where the bat disconnects from the body early or neverconnects to the body at any point in the swing. Moreover, the swingplane training section can promote the batter's ability to connect thebat to the body early and then accelerate the lead arm and handindependently and yet in tandem with the pelvis and torso, and can beused to teach the batter how to hit all pitches with the same approach.

As alluded to above, the swing plane can be directly affected by lateralmovement of the body, wherein embodiments of the disclosed subjectmatter can simultaneously address undesirable lateral movement in favorof a stable axis of rotation (rather than a variable axis of rotation)along with swing plane coordination and timing, again, particularly inthe context of a moving or pitched ball. That is, once the stable axisof rotation is created by the hip attachment training section this canforce the batter to correctly use the swing plane trainer (e.g., withoutunnatural movements solely to avoid the swing plane trainer). Thus,according to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, use of theswing plane training section in conjunction with the hip attachmenttraining section can enable the batter to demonstrate a pure rotationwhile creating proper separation from the pelvis, to the torso, to thelead arm, to the lead hand, and ultimately to the bat.

Turning to the figures, FIGS. 1-4 show various views of a swing trainingsystem or apparatus 100 according to one or more embodiments of thedisclosed subject matter. The system 100 can be comprised of a basesection 110, a swing plane training section 120, and a hip attachmenttraining section 130. Generally, the base section 110 can provide astable base for the swing plane training section 120 and the hipattachment training section 130 whereby the respective sections canstand “upright” according to their respective configurations withouttipping over, at least when the batter has not hit or contacted theswing training system 100.

The base section 110 can be adapted to rest on a support surface (e.g.,ground) and can include a first horizontal member 112, a secondhorizontal member 114, and a third horizontal member 116. The firsthorizontal member 112 can extend in a first direction, and the secondhorizontal member 114 and the third horizontal member 116 can extendfrom the first horizontal member 112. As shown, the second horizontalmember 114 and the third horizontal member 116 can extend from a sameside of the first horizontal member 112. Moreover, the second horizontalmember 114 can extend from a first end of the first horizontal member112 and the third horizontal member 116 can extend from a second end ofthe first horizontal member 112 opposite the first end.

A batter area 105 may be defined between the second horizontal member114 and the third horizontal member 116 and on one side by the firsthorizontal member 112. As shown, the batter area 105 may be open on aside thereof opposite the first horizontal member 112. Moreover, thefirst horizontal member 112 can be longer than the second horizontalmember 114 and/or the third horizontal member 116. Thus, the batter area105 can be rectangular. Optionally, the first horizontal member 112 maybe formed of multiple pieces or otherwise extendable and collapsible inlength (e.g., telescoping tubes), for instance, to accommodate battersof different heights and/or strides, for instance.

The second horizontal member 114 and the third horizontal member 116 canextend at an angle from the first horizontal member 112. For instance,FIGS. 1-4 show the second horizontal member 114 and the third horizontalmember 116 being perpendicular to the first horizontal member 112,though embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are not so limited.

The second horizontal member 114 and/or the third horizontal member 116may be formed in one piece or integral with the first horizontal member112. Alternatively, the second horizontal member 114 and/or the thirdhorizontal member 116 may be detachable from the first horizontal member112. Hence, a connection interface 115 may be between the firsthorizontal member 112 and the second horizontal member 114. Likewise, aconnection interface 117 may be between the first horizontal member 112and the third horizontal member 116.

The connection interface 115 may be a separate piece or joint to whicheach of the first horizontal member 112 and the second horizontal member114 can be removably connected. Likewise, the connection interface 117may be a separate piece or joint to which each of the first horizontalmember 112 and the third horizontal member 116 can be removablyconnected. Alternatively, the connection interface 115 can be a directconnection between the first horizontal member 112 and the secondhorizontal member 114, and the connection interface 117 can be a directconnection between the first horizontal member 112 and the thirdhorizontal member 116.

According to one or more embodiments, the second horizontal member 114and/or the third horizontal member 116 may be rotated relative to thefirst horizontal member 112 in the same plane as the first horizontalmember 112. For instance, whichever of the second horizontal member 114or the third horizontal member 116 is the lead horizontal member(depending upon the handedness of the batter), this horizontal membercan be rotated away from the other of the second or third horizontalmembers 114, 116, for instance, to increase the area of the batter area105. Thus, according to one or more embodiments, one (e.g., leadhorizontal member) or both of the second horizontal member 114 and thethird horizontal member 116 may extend at an obtuse angle from the firsthorizontal member 112. According to one or more embodiments, the angle(e.g., perpendicular or obtuse) of the second horizontal member 114and/or the third horizontal member 116 may be locked into place, forinstance, via a snap lock, a tightening screw, a clamp, etc.

The swing plane training section 120 can include a vertical member 122and a horizontal member 124, which may be referred to herein as a fourthhorizontal member 124. The vertical member 122 can extend verticallyfrom the first horizontal member 112, for instance, between the firstand second ends of the first horizontal member 112, such as shown inFIGS. 1-4. The horizontal member 124 can extend horizontally from thevertical member 122, such as shown in FIGS. 1-4. Thus, the horizontalmember 124 can extend in a direction of the batter area 105, and canextend over the batter area 105 in an overhead plan view of the swingtraining system 100.

The vertical member 122 can be closer to a rear or trailing horizontalmember than a front or leading horizontal member. For instance, in FIGS.1-4 the second horizontal member 114 can be the rear horizontal member.Hence, the vertical member 122 can be closer to the second horizontalmember 114 than the third horizontal member 116 (which in this examplecan be the front or leading horizontal member).

The vertical member 122 can be movably connected to the first horizontalmember 112 such so as to be movable (e.g., slidable or removable andreattachable) along a length (or a portion of the length) of the firsthorizontal member 112. Such movement can be to adjust the verticalmember 122 according to the size (e.g., height, stride length, batlength, etc.) and/or skill level of the batter. Such movement canadditionally or alternatively be for reconfiguring according to ahandedness of the batter. The vertical member 122 can be locked intoplace along the length of the first horizontal member 112, for instance,via a snap lock, a tightening screw, a clamp, etc.

The horizontal member 124 can be movably connected to the verticalmember 122. Thus, the horizontal member 124 can be adjusted (e.g.,slidable or removable and reattachable) in a height direction along thelength of the vertical member 122. Such movement can be to adjust thehorizontal member 124 according to the size (e.g., height, stridelength, bat length, etc.) and/or skill level of the batter. Thehorizontal member 124 can be locked into place along the length of thevertical member 122, for instance, via a snap lock, a tightening screw,a clamp, etc.

The horizontal member 124 can also be rotatable (including reattached ata different angle) relative to the vertical member 122. For instance,the horizontal member 124 can be repositioned (e.g., rotated orreattached) forward and/or rearward from the horizontal member 124 beingperpendicular relative to the first horizontal member 112 (in anoverhead plan view of the swing training system 100). FIG. 4, forinstance, shows the horizontal member 124 being perpendicular to thefirst horizontal member 112 in an overhead plan view of the swingtraining system 100, whereas FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 show the horizontalmember 124 angled rearward and forward, respectively, relative to theperpendicular configuration shown in FIG. 4. The horizontal member 124can be locked into place according to a particular angle relative to thefirst horizontal member 112 (e.g., perpendicular, angled forward, orangled rearward), for instance, via a snap lock, a tightening screw, aclamp, etc.

The hip attachment training section 130 can include an angled member132. The angled member 132 can extend from the first horizontal member112 at an angle relative to the support surface (e.g., ground).Moreover, the angled member 132 can extend at the angle over the batterarea 105. That is, the angled member 132 can extend in the direction ofthe batter area 105.

The angled member 132 can be closer to the front or leading horizontalmember than the rear or trailing horizontal member. For instance, inFIGS. 1-4 the third horizontal member 116 can be the front horizontalmember. Hence, the angled member 132 can be closer to the thirdhorizontal member 116 than the second horizontal member 114 (which inthis example can be the rear or trailing horizontal member).

The angled member 132 can be movably (e.g., slidably or reattached)connected to the first horizontal member 112 such so as to be movablealong a length (or a portion of the length) of the first horizontalmember 112. Such movement can be to adjust the angled member 132according to the size (e.g., height, stride length, etc.) and/or skilllevel of the batter. Such movement can additionally or alternatively befor reconfiguring according to a handedness of the batter. The angledmember 132 can be locked into place along the length of the firsthorizontal member 112, for instance, via a snap lock, a tighteningscrew, a clamp, etc.

The angled member 132 can also be rotatably (including reattached atdifferent angles) connected to the first horizontal member 112. Suchconnection can be in order to change the angle of the angled member 132relative to the support surface. Moreover, such movement can be toadjust the angled member 132 according to the size (e.g., height, stridelength, etc.) and/or skill level of the batter. Such movement canadditionally or alternatively be for reconfiguring according to ahandedness of the batter.

Turning now to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, these figures show a swing trainingsystem 200 and a swing training system 300, respectively, according toembodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Swing training system 200and/or swing training system 300 can be stand-along swing trainingsystems or a reconfiguration of swing training system 100 above.Notably, swing training system 200 can include only the hip attachmenttraining section 130 (and of course, the base section 110), whereasswing training system 300 can include only the swing plane trainingsection 120 (and of course, the base section 110). The base section 110of FIG. 8 also shows the third horizontal member 116 extending from thefirst horizontal member 112 at an obtuse angle (rather thanperpendicular).

Turning to FIGS. 9-12, these figures show use views of the swingtraining system 300 of FIG. 8 (but with the third horizontal member 116perpendicular to the first horizontal member 112). As noted above, theswing training system 300 can include only the swing plane trainingsection 120 (and of course, the base section 110). Hence, the swingtraining system 300 can be directed to addressing swing plane issues.

The vertical member 122 can be to address horizontal swing plane issues.In this regard, FIG. 9 shows an example of an acceptable swing, whereasFIG. 10 shows an example of an unacceptable swing, at least as the swingpertains to the horizontal swing plan. Moreover, these examples can berepresentative of relatively high swings, for instance, responsive to arelatively high pitch. Notably, in FIG. 9 the batter 10 has remainedconnected such that the bat 12 has been kept tight to the body duringthe early stages of rotation and then the bat 12 released later inrotation such that the bat 12 has not contacted the vertical member 122(or the horizontal member 124). In contrast, in FIG. 10 the batter 10has not remained connected such that the bat 12 has been kept tight tothe body during the early stages of rotation, and has prematurelyreleased such that the bat 12 has contacted the vertical member 122.

The horizontal member 124 can be to address vertical swing plane issues.In this regard, FIG. 11 shows an example of an acceptable swing, whereasFIG. 12 shows an example of an unacceptable swing, at least as the swingpertains to the vertical swing plan. Moreover, these examples can berepresentative of relatively low swings, for instance, responsive to arelatively low pitch. Notably, in FIG. 11 the batter 10 has remainedconnected such that the bat 12 has been kept tight to the body duringthe early stages of rotation and then the bat 12 released later inrotation such that the bat 12 has not contacted the horizontal member124 (or the vertical member 122). In contrast, in FIG. 12 the batter 10has not remained connected such that the bat 12 has been kept tight tothe body during the early stages of rotation, and has prematurelyreleased such that the bat 12 has contacted the horizontal member 124.

Turning to FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, these figures show use views of theswing training system 200 of FIG. 7. As noted above, the swing trainingsystem 200 can include only the hip attachment training section 130 (andof course, the base section 110). Hence, the swing training system 200can be directed to addressing hip movement issues, such as variable axisof rotation issues. Here, the angled member 132 can be set (i.e.,angled) according to the stride of the batter 10. More specifically, theangle member 132 can be set to where the lead hip of the batter 10 willbe when the front heel begins to plant on the support surface (e.g.,ground). This may be when the front toes touch the support surface,though some batters may drift forward before the rotation begins (whichmay be acceptable). As can be seen in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, the lead hipof the batter 10 can be prevented from further lateral movement in theforward direction (e.g., toward the pitcher) by the angled member 132.Rotation can begin once the lead hip of the batter 10 is at the anglemember 132, such as shown in FIG. 13, and the batter 10 can proceed withthe rotation action with the lead hip “attached” to the angled member132. As discussed above, this can provide a stable axis of rotation forthe remaining swing.

Some or all of the members, that is, the first horizontal member 112,the second horizontal member 114, the third horizontal member 116, thevertical member 122, the fourth horizontal member 124, and the angledmember 132, can be elongate tubes (e.g., PVC pipe) or solid elongatemembers, such as bars, or a combination of the two, as non-limitingexamples.

As noted above, the swing training system, including portions thereof,particularly the swing plane training section 120 and/or the hipattachment training section 130, can be reconfigurable for bothleft-hand and right-hand batters. For instance, the vertical member 122of the swing plane training section 120 can be adapted to be rotatedtoward the batter area 105 and have the fourth horizontal member 124removed to convert to the hip attachment training section 130, and theangled member 132 of the hip attachment training section 130 can beadapted to be rotated away from the batter area 105 so as to be verticaland to have the removed fourth horizontal member 124 provided thereon soas to extend therefrom in the direction of the batter area 105, toconvert to the swing plane training section 120.

As another example, in the case where only the swing plane trainingsection 120 is implemented, the vertical member 122 can be moved (e.g.,slide or reattached) along the length of the first horizontal member 112from one end to the other to switch from right-hand to left-hand or viceversa. Likewise, in the case where only the hip attachment trainingsection 130 is implemented, the angled member 132 can be moved (e.g.,slide or reattached) along the length of the first horizontal member 112from one end to the other to switch from right-hand to left-hand or viceversa.

Provided now is a general description of an exemplary implementation ofswing training systems or apparatuses, or portions thereof, such asthose described above, according to one or more embodiments of thedisclosed subject matter.

According to one or more embodiments, the swing training system orapparatus can be set in line with a back foot of the batter.

First the base section 110 can be assembled and placed on a supportsurface, such as ground. For instance, the first horizontal member 112can be oriented on the part of the batter's box that is closest to homeplate.

The hip attachment training section 130 can also be provided, eitherwith the base section 110 or removably attached to the base section 110.For sizing purposes, the batter can stand within the batter area 105defined by the base section 110. The batter can then move to a positionthat initiates his or her particular swing. This may be called thelaunch, the load, or the stride position. The hip attachment trainingsection 130 can be adjusted in angle and/or length (and optionally alonga length of the first horizontal member 112) so as to touch the fronthip of the batter once the batter is in this position. Morespecifically, the angled member 132 of the hip attachment trainingsection 130 can extend from the first horizontal member 112 orthogonallyand can be arranged so as to rest on the batter's front hip when thebatter is in the launch, load, or stride position. Moreover, the hipattachment training section 130 can connect to the base section 110behind the front knee. The arrangement of the hip attachment trainingsection 130 can be set (e.g., locked) so as to remain fixed relative tothe base section 110 during live swings of the batter.

The swing plane training section 120 can also be provided, either withthe base section 110 or removably attached to the base section 110. Theswing plane training section 120 can be provided so as to be lined upwith or behind the rear foot of the batter. This may involve adjustmentof the vertical member 122 along the length of the first horizontalmember 112 (e.g., sliding or reattached). The horizontal member 124 canbe adjusted and set based on the size of the batter (e.g., height), thelength of the bat, and/or the batter's skill level. For instance, thehorizontal member 124 may be set between the height of the player's backknee and the player's back hip. Generally, the lower the height of thehorizontal member 124 the more room the batter has for error. Moreover,providing the swing plane training section 120 behind the batter's rearfoot may provide more room for batter error, whereas lined up with therear foot may provide for less room for batter error. The horizontalmember 124 can also be rotated about the vertical member 122 forwardand/or rear of perpendicular to the first horizontal member 112 tochange difficulty.

For a particular batting session of a particular batter, the hipattachment training section 130 can always remain where the hip is afterthe batter has taken his or her stride. The batter can thus work onswinging with or without stride as long as the rear foot starts in thesame position or substantially the same position.

Optionally, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can captureswing data during use of the swing training system or apparatus. Forinstance, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can include one ormore sensors (e.g., provided in one or more of the members, such as thevertical member 122 and/or the horizontal member 124) to capture whereand/or when in the swing process the batter's bat contacted the swingplane training section 120. Optionally, an audible and/or visualindicator of the transgression may be output to the batter in real time,for instance.

According to one or more embodiments, swing data can be recorded andtracked using one or more cameras and corresponding computer processingcomponents (e.g., memory, a processor, etc.) to receive and process theswing data. For instance, K-motion baseball, or an analogous system, cantrack the movements of the pelvis, torso, lead arm, and lead hand duringa swing. Data, such as acceleration, deceleration, the peaks of thecurves, the timing of the curves in relation to heel strike and contact,the overlap of the curves, and the vertical gap between curves, can becaptured and analyzed.

Data capture and processing aspects of the present disclosure may takethe form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely softwareembodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) oran embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may allgenerally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “circuitry,” “module” or“system.” Any combination of one or more computer readable storagemedium(s) may be utilized. A computer readable storage medium may be,for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical,electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, ordevice, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specificexamples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer readable storage mediumwould include the following: an electrical connection having one or morewires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory(RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-onlymemory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compactdisc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magneticstorage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In thecontext of this document, a computer readable storage medium may be anytangible medium that can contain, or store a program for use by or inconnection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, device, orportion thereof.

Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may also be as set forthaccording to the parentheticals in the following paragraphs.

(1) A baseball batter swing training system comprising: a base sectionadapted to rest on a support surface, the base section including: afirst horizontal member, a second horizontal member extending from afirst side of the first horizontal member at a first end of the firsthorizontal member, and a third horizontal member extending from thefirst side of the first horizontal member at a second end of the firsthorizontal member opposite the first end of the first horizontal member,wherein a batter area is defined between the second horizontal memberand the third horizontal member; a swing plane training sectionincluding: a vertical member extending vertically from the firsthorizontal member of the base section between the first and second endsof the first horizontal member, and a fourth horizontal member extendingfrom the vertical member in a direction of the batter area; and a hipattachment training section including an angled member extending at anangle from the first horizontal member of the base section between thefirst and second ends of the first horizontal member, the angled memberextending at the angle in the direction of the batter area, wherein theangled member of the hip attachment training section is closer to thethird horizontal member than the vertical member and the fourthhorizontal member of the swing plane training section are to the thirdhorizontal member.

(2) The baseball batter swing training system according to (1), whereinthe second horizontal member extends perpendicularly from the firsthorizontal member, and wherein the third horizontal member extendseither perpendicularly or at an obtuse angle from the first horizontalmember.

(3) The baseball batter swing training system according to (1) or (2),wherein the baseball batter swing training system is ambidextrous andconfigurable for left-hand and right-hand batters, wherein the verticalmember of the swing plane training section is adapted to be rotatedtoward the batter area and have the fourth horizontal member removed toconvert to the hip attachment training section, and wherein the angledmember of the hip attachment training section is adapted to be rotatedaway from the batter area so as to be vertical and to have the removedfourth horizontal member provided thereon so as to extend therefrom inthe direction of the batter area to convert to the swing plane trainingsection.

(4) The baseball batter swing training system according to any one of(1) to (3), wherein the fourth horizontal member is rotatable in eitherdirection from perpendicular to the first horizontal member of the basesection in an overhead plan view of the baseball batter swing trainingsystem.

(5) The baseball batter swing training system according to any one of(1) to (4), wherein the fourth horizontal member is adjustable in aheight direction along a length of the vertical member.

(6) The baseball batter swing training system according to any one of(1) to (5), wherein the vertical member of the swing plane trainingsection is slidably adjustable along at least a portion of a length ofthe first horizontal member.

(7) The baseball batter swing training system according to any one of(1) to (6), wherein the angled member of the hip attachment trainingsection is slidably adjustable along at least a portion of a length ofthe first horizontal member.

(8) A method comprising: providing a swing training apparatus including:a base section adapted to rest on a support surface, the base sectionincluding: a first horizontal member, a second horizontal memberextending from a first side of the first horizontal member at a firstend of the first horizontal member, and a third horizontal memberextending from the first side of the first horizontal member at a secondend of the first horizontal member opposite the first end of the firsthorizontal member, wherein a batter area is defined between the secondhorizontal member and the third horizontal member; and a swing planetraining section including: a vertical member extending vertically fromthe first horizontal member of the base section between the first andsecond ends of the first horizontal member, and a fourth horizontalmember extending from the vertical member in a direction of the batterarea, wherein the vertical member is closer to the second horizontalmember than the third horizontal member, wherein the second horizontalmember extends perpendicularly from the first horizontal member, andwherein the third horizontal member extends either perpendicularly or atan obtuse angle from the first horizontal member.

(9) The method according to (8), further comprising adjusting the swingplane training section based on size and/or skill level of a batterusing the swing training apparatus.

(10) The method according to (8) or (9), wherein the swing trainingapparatus further includes a hip attachment training section having anangled member extending at an angle from the first horizontal member ofthe base section between the first and second ends of the firsthorizontal member, the angled member extending at the angle in thedirection of the batter area.

(11) The method according to any one of (8) to (10), further comprisingadjusting the hip attachment training section based on size and/or skilllevel of a batter using the swing training apparatus.

(12) The method according to any one of (8) to (11), further comprisingelectronically capturing swing data during use of the swing trainingapparatus.

(13) The method according to any one of (8) to (12), wherein the swingtraining apparatus is ambidextrous and configurable for left-hand andright-hand batters, and wherein the vertical member of the swing planetraining section is repositionable along a length of the firsthorizontal member to be positioned closer to the third horizontal memberthan the second horizontal member to change handedness.

(14) A swing training apparatus comprising: a base section adapted torest on a support surface, the base section including: a firsthorizontal member, a second horizontal member extending from a firstside of the first horizontal member at a first end of the firsthorizontal member, and a third horizontal member extending from thefirst side of the first horizontal member at a second end of the firsthorizontal member opposite the first end of the first horizontal member,wherein a batter area is defined between the second horizontal memberand the third horizontal member, wherein the swing training apparatus isconfigurable with a swing plane training section and/or a hip attachmenttraining section, wherein the swing plane training section includes: avertical member extending vertically from the first horizontal member ofthe base section between the first and second ends of the firsthorizontal member, and a fourth horizontal member extending from thevertical member in a direction of the batter area, and wherein the hipattachment training section includes an angled member extending at anangle from the first horizontal member of the base section between thefirst and second ends of the first horizontal member, the angled memberextending at the angle in the direction of the batter area.

(15) The swing training apparatus according to (14), wherein the secondhorizontal member extends perpendicularly from the first horizontalmember, and wherein the third horizontal member extends eitherperpendicularly or at an obtuse angle from the first horizontal member.

(16) The swing training apparatus according to (14) or (15), wherein theswing training system is ambidextrous and configurable for left-hand andright-hand batters, wherein the vertical member of the swing planetraining section is adapted to be rotated toward the batter area andhave the fourth horizontal member removed to convert to the hipattachment training section, and wherein the angled member of the hipattachment training section is adapted to be rotated away from thebatter area so as to be vertical and to have the removed fourthhorizontal member provided thereon so as to extend therefrom in thedirection of the batter area to convert to the swing plane trainingsection.

(17) The swing training apparatus according to any one of (14) to (16),wherein the fourth horizontal member is adjustable in a height directionalong a length of the vertical member.

(18) The swing training apparatus according any one of (14) to (17),wherein the angled member of the hip attachment training section isadjustable so as to change an angle thereof relative to the supportsurface.

(19) The swing training apparatus according to any one of (14) to (18),wherein the first horizontal member is longer than each of the secondhorizontal member and the third horizontal member.

(20) The swing training apparatus according to any one of (14) to (19),further comprising circuitry configured to provide audible and/or visualfeedback in real time responsive to a swing of a batter.

Having now described embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, itshould be apparent to those skilled in the art that the foregoing ismerely illustrative and not limiting, having been presented by way ofexample only. Thus, although particular configurations have beendiscussed and illustrated herein, other configurations can be and arealso employed. Further, numerous modifications and other embodiments(e.g., combinations, rearrangements, etc.) are enabled by the presentdisclosure and are contemplated as falling within the scope of thedisclosed subject matter and any equivalents thereto. Features of thedisclosed embodiments can be combined, rearranged, omitted, etc., withinthe scope of described subject matter to produce additional embodiments.Furthermore, certain features may sometimes be used to advantage withouta corresponding use of other features. Accordingly, Applicant intends toembrace all such alternatives, modifications, equivalents, andvariations that are within the spirit and scope of the presentdisclosure. Further, it is therefore to be understood that within thescope of the appended claims, the disclosure may be practiced otherwisethan as specifically described herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A baseball batter swing training systemcomprising: a base section adapted to rest on a support surface, thebase section including: a first horizontal member, a second horizontalmember extending from a first side of the first horizontal member at afirst end of the first horizontal member, and a third horizontal memberextending from the first side of the first horizontal member at a secondend of the first horizontal member opposite the first end of the firsthorizontal member, wherein a batter area is defined between the secondhorizontal member and the third horizontal member; a swing planetraining section including: a vertical member extending vertically fromthe first horizontal member of the base section between the first andsecond ends of the first horizontal member, and a fourth horizontalmember extending from the vertical member in a direction of the batterarea; and a hip attachment training section including an angled memberextending at an angle from the first horizontal member of the basesection between the first and second ends of the first horizontalmember, the angled member extending at the angle in the direction of thebatter area, wherein the angled member of the hip attachment trainingsection is closer to the third horizontal member than the verticalmember and the fourth horizontal member of the swing plane trainingsection are to the third horizontal member.
 2. The baseball batter swingtraining system according to claim 1, wherein the second horizontalmember extends perpendicularly from the first horizontal member, andwherein the third horizontal member extends either perpendicularly or atan obtuse angle from the first horizontal member.
 3. The baseball batterswing training system according to claim 1, wherein the baseball batterswing training system is ambidextrous and configurable for left-hand andright-hand batters, wherein the vertical member of the swing planetraining section is adapted to be rotated toward the batter area andhave the fourth horizontal member removed to convert to the hipattachment training section, and wherein the angled member of the hipattachment training section is adapted to be rotated away from thebatter area so as to be vertical and to have the removed fourthhorizontal member provided thereon so as to extend therefrom in thedirection of the batter area to convert to the swing plane trainingsection.
 4. The baseball batter swing training system according to claim1, wherein the fourth horizontal member is rotatable in either directionfrom perpendicular to the first horizontal member of the base section inan overhead plan view of the baseball batter swing training system. 5.The baseball batter swing training system according to claim 1, whereinthe fourth horizontal member is adjustable in a height direction along alength of the vertical member.
 6. The baseball batter swing trainingsystem according to claim 1, wherein the vertical member of the swingplane training section is slidably adjustable along at least a portionof a length of the first horizontal member.
 7. The baseball batter swingtraining system according to claim 1, wherein the angled member of thehip attachment training section is slidably adjustable along at least aportion of a length of the first horizontal member.
 8. A methodcomprising: providing a swing training apparatus including: a basesection adapted to rest on a support surface, the base sectionincluding: a first horizontal member, a second horizontal memberextending from a first side of the first horizontal member at a firstend of the first horizontal member, and a third horizontal memberextending from the first side of the first horizontal member at a secondend of the first horizontal member opposite the first end of the firsthorizontal member, wherein a batter area is defined between the secondhorizontal member and the third horizontal member; and a swing planetraining section including: a vertical member extending vertically fromthe first horizontal member of the base section between the first andsecond ends of the first horizontal member, and a fourth horizontalmember extending from the vertical member in a direction of the batterarea, wherein the vertical member is closer to the second horizontalmember than the third horizontal member, wherein the second horizontalmember extends perpendicularly from the first horizontal member, andwherein the third horizontal member extends either perpendicularly or atan obtuse angle from the first horizontal member.
 9. The methodaccording to claim 8, further comprising adjusting the swing planetraining section based on size and/or skill level of a batter using theswing training apparatus.
 10. The method according to claim 8, whereinthe swing training apparatus further includes a hip attachment trainingsection having an angled member extending at an angle from the firsthorizontal member of the base section between the first and second endsof the first horizontal member, the angled member extending at the anglein the direction of the batter area.
 11. The method according to claim10, further comprising adjusting the hip attachment training sectionbased on size and/or skill level of a batter using the swing trainingapparatus.
 12. The method according to claim 8, further comprisingelectronically capturing swing data during use of the swing trainingapparatus.
 13. The method according to claim 8, wherein the swingtraining apparatus is ambidextrous and configurable for left-hand andright-hand batters, and wherein the vertical member of the swing planetraining section is repositionable along a length of the firsthorizontal member to be positioned closer to the third horizontal memberthan the second horizontal member to change handedness.
 14. A swingtraining apparatus comprising: a base section adapted to rest on asupport surface, the base section including: a first horizontal member,a second horizontal member extending from a first side of the firsthorizontal member at a first end of the first horizontal member, and athird horizontal member extending from the first side of the firsthorizontal member at a second end of the first horizontal memberopposite the first end of the first horizontal member, wherein a batterarea is defined between the second horizontal member and the thirdhorizontal member, wherein the swing training apparatus is configurablewith a swing plane training section and/or a hip attachment trainingsection, wherein the swing plane training section includes: a verticalmember extending vertically from the first horizontal member of the basesection between the first and second ends of the first horizontalmember, and a fourth horizontal member extending from the verticalmember in a direction of the batter area, and wherein the hip attachmenttraining section includes an angled member extending at an angle fromthe first horizontal member of the base section between the first andsecond ends of the first horizontal member, the angled member extendingat the angle in the direction of the batter area.
 15. The swing trainingapparatus according to claim 14, wherein the second horizontal memberextends perpendicularly from the first horizontal member, and whereinthe third horizontal member extends either perpendicularly or at anobtuse angle from the first horizontal member.
 16. The swing trainingapparatus according to claim 14, wherein the swing training system isambidextrous and configurable for left-hand and right-hand batters,wherein the vertical member of the swing plane training section isadapted to be rotated toward the batter area and have the fourthhorizontal member removed to convert to the hip attachment trainingsection, and wherein the angled member of the hip attachment trainingsection is adapted to be rotated away from the batter area so as to bevertical and to have the removed fourth horizontal member providedthereon so as to extend therefrom in the direction of the batter area toconvert to the swing plane training section.
 17. The swing trainingapparatus according to claim 14, wherein the fourth horizontal member isadjustable in a height direction along a length of the vertical member.18. The swing training apparatus according to claim 14, wherein theangled member of the hip attachment training section is adjustable so asto change an angle thereof relative to the support surface.
 19. Theswing training apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the firsthorizontal member is longer than each of the second horizontal memberand the third horizontal member.
 20. The swing training apparatusaccording to claim 14, wherein the swing training apparatus is adaptedto be operational with moving baseballs provided at unknown planes priorto pitching.